A Finnish learning platform is helping students master mathematics and motivating teachers to develop digital pedagogy in Vietnam. Eduten’s mission is to improve math learning outcomes for children and youth worldwide.

Eduten has launched a pilot project within Vietnam’s public education system in collaboration with UNICEF Vietnam, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), and local education authorities (DoET).

The goal is to strengthen math learning results, engage and motivate students, and enhance teachers’ digital pedagogical skills. Eduten has received ODA pilot support from Finnpartnership for the Vietnam initiative.

Partnership with UNICEF lays the foundation for success

The pilot is being implemented in Lao Cai province, an area representing Vietnam’s ethnic diversity and socio-economic challenges. It involves 10 schools, approximately 500 students, and 20 teachers. The 12-week pilot integrates Eduten into math instruction. Learning progress is measured through pre- and post-tests and Eduten’s analytics.

“Our aim is to demonstrate that Eduten’s globally researched benefits for learning outcomes and teacher well-being are applicable in Vietnam’s public schools. This pilot is a crucial step toward broader adoption,” says Jussi-Pekka Järvinen, Eduten’s Head of National Projects.

Järvinen emphasises the importance of skilled partners.

“Everything begins with collaboration with local authorities and the third sector. Working with UNICEF provides a strong foundation for a successful pilot.”

Gamification and continuous feedback earn praise from teachers

In September, teachers attended a two-day training in Lao Cai, combining Finnish pedagogical principles with practical guidance on using Eduten. The training covered topics such as the impact of gamification on learning motivation, changing preconceptions about mathematics, and leveraging learning analytics for differentiated instruction.

Teachers expressed enthusiasm for the platform and the training. Feedback highlighted the benefits of gamification in improving learning outcomes.

“Students get excited about math through games and learn almost without even noticing,” one teacher said.

“We received concrete tools to support students individually,” noted another participant.

Many teachers hoped the training could be expanded to more schools:
“This brings real added value to teaching, especially in challenging conditions,” one comment read.

Aiming to scale up across Vietnam’s public school system

The pilot is part of a broader strategy to scale Eduten nationwide. Previous international pilots in Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Laos, Mongolia, and Lithuania have already led to national-level implementations, and similar results are anticipated in Vietnam.

According to Järvinen, humility and attentive listening have been key in the Vietnam project:

“There is no simple, ready-made Finnish education package that guarantees better learning outcomes in another country’s context. However, we have developed tools in Finland that are globally validated and, when adapted locally, can demonstrably improve teaching and learning. In the public sector, a humble approach is essential – building a solution that serves all stakeholders through collaboration,” Järvinen says.

Eduten’s pilot in Vietnam is not just about introducing technology – it’s a comprehensive investment in teacher competence, student well-being, and educational equity.

Eduten’s Tips for Finnish Companies Piloting in Developing Markets

1. Define the boundaries of your pilot – Local needs and your product may not always align, even with good intentions.
2. Prepare for the long haul – Securing funding takes time, especially for public-sector projects. Explore diverse funding options, such as development banks.
3. Strong local partners deliver strong results – They provide local insights and the right connections.
4. Listen and negotiate – Pay close attention to what local stakeholders are saying, often indirectly. Understand the context you operate in.
5. Stay humble – Don’t present your solution as superior. Local experts know what works best for them; your role is to support them.